Levy, Jock

The Wharfies' Film Unit

In the 1950s, workers rights extended beyond wages and conditions to include cultural events and creative activities. The Waterside Workers' Federation Film Unit set about documenting the lives of workers and their families, their communities and organisations. From 1953â€“58, they made 19 films tackling subjects that the government film unit and newsreel producers would never touch â€“ housing shortages, price control, the cost of living for ordinary Australians and reasons behind industrial disputes.